The widow of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev has hired a criminal lawyer who has experience defending terrorism cases.

Attorney Amato DeLuca says his client, Katherine Russell, has added New York lawyer Joshua Dratel to her legal team as she continues to face questions from federal authorities.

Ms Russell will keep meeting with investigators and answering questions, he added.

Image Caption:Katherine Russell was arrested for shoplifting in 2007

Mr DeLuca and Miriam Weizenbaum have been representing Ms Russell, who lives in Rhode Island with her family, since her husband was killed nearly three weeks ago. They specialise in civil cases such as personal injury law.

Her lawyer has said Ms Russell had no reason to suspect her husband and his brother, Dzhokhar, had anything to do with the deadly April 15 bombing.

The younger Tsarnaev told investigators in the days after the attack that the widow was not involved in the plot, a federal law enforcement official said on Wednesday.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev's body has now been entombed after days of wrangling. More than a 100 cemeteries had refused to bury him.

On Wednesday Worcester Police Chief Gary Gemme urged someone to take on the task, saying: "We are not barbarians. We bury the dead."

Image Caption:Tamerlan Tsarnaev died from gunshot wounds and blunt trauma

Tamerlan Tsarnaev died following a gun battle with police, and 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is in a prison hospital, facing charges that could bring the death penalty.